A Belfast researcher awarded £1.8million to help beat bowel cancer is urging people to Stand up to Cancer.

Cancer Research UK has funded Dr Emma Kerr, 32, to to start her own research group at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's University Belfast .

The cancer-fighting scientist is trying to find new ways to tackle bowel cancer, by studying how the disease hijacks normal processes the body’s cells use to make energy and grow.

These changes can help bowel cancers resist chemotherapy, making treatment less effective.

Emma said: “The majority of bowel cancer patients will, at some stage, receive chemotherapy but unfortunately some of those patients will develop drug resistance and their tumour will stop responding to the treatment.

“My work focuses on understanding how cells use energy to grow, and how changes to these processes in cancer cells can limit how a patient responds to treatment.

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She is urging everyone in Northern Ireland to join her and Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which has raised over £38million to support life-saving research since its UK launch in 2012.

Research shows that one person is diagnosed with cancer every hour in Northern Ireland.

Dr Kerr said: “Research is cancer’s number one enemy. Stand Up To Cancer helps fund clinical trials and research projects which pack a punch in the fight against the disease.

“This research is crucial, but also very expensive. That’s why I’m calling on Northern Ireland’s fundraisers to get fighting fit and help doctors and scientists speed through breakthroughs for the benefit of cancer patients across the country.

When it comes to cancer we need to box clever. By boosting funding right now, the best research teams will be able to develop innovative new treatments, bring cures faster and save more lives.”

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Dr Victoria Steven, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Northern Ireland, said: “It’s time to make a stand and get payback on cancer for all the people whose lives have been cut short by this devastating disease.

“There are lots of fun ways to join the fight. You can get creative in the kitchen, get sponsored to stand out in orange at work or school or take part in a sponsored wax or head shave. A free fundraising pack is available, full of fun and creative ways to conjure up crucial cash.

“We are in a ‘golden age’ for cancer research and every pound raised by Stand Up To Cancer takes us a step closer to beating the disease. We will never throw in the towel. We believe this is a fight that we can win.”

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